Film launch

"We process the world differently, we have different needs. However, that means ultimately we have a different strategy. A way of sorting out what can be done."

To mark World Autism Acceptance Week, we are excited to launch our new film about why it's so important to break down barriers to STEM, enabling more young disabled people to be excited by and pursue science, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The star is our trustee and role model Dr. Camilla Pang - scientist and celebrated author. She tells us how science helped her navigate the world, growing up with Autism.

Camilla shares her unique understanding of the world growing up, using the lens of science. Diagnosed with autism aged 8, Camilla was able to use scientific concepts to help her traverse ideas that she struggled to understand, such as emotions and finding your voice. Camilla went on to complete her PhD in cancer bioinformatics, and today, she works as a Researcher and is a celebrated author (the youngest winner of the Royal Society Insight Investment Award). Now a proud Trustee and Role Model for Lightyear Foundation, this film celebrates Camilla’s neurodiversity and the work that Lightyear does to enable more neurodiverse and disabled young people to find their way in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) – either as a career path, spring boarding from our Virtual Lab programme and Work Inspiration Trips, or as a way to learn key life skills, in our active-learning workshops using our trademark Sensory Science techniques.

This is Camilla’s Story - what's yours?

With huge thanks to The Media Trust, John Lyon's Charity, Hazel Flack, Alex Gonzalez and Dr Camilla Pang.

Video Description: Video footage of Camilla talking is interspersed with iconic scientific footage, such as a brain scan, a rocket launching and the moon's surface. at 28 seconds, footage shows a Lightyear Foundation workshop, with young people holding science props.